Chimes Maryland

Educational Opportunities

The Chimes School offers an 11-month educational program to students ages 5 to 21 that infuses functionality into everyday academics and work-related skills, as well with priority on social skills development. Using a multi-sensory approach to learning, our students are challenged to develop increased independence while in school, at home, in the community, and at work sites. The Chimes serves students who have intellectual and developmental disabilities, Autism, and co-occurring disabilities, which may include emotional and behavioral challenges. The program includes both diploma (K-8) and certificate (K-12) tracks. It is our belief that any student can learn and grow to their fullest potential.

The school is located in Baltimore City at 4810 Seton Drive, Baltimore, MD 21215, and receives referrals from all local jurisdictions. Our modern building is fully accessible and offers such amenities as a large gym, conference rooms, cafeteria, state of the art library, woodshop, greenhouse, an independent living apartment and kitchen area, three multi-sensory rooms and an outside recreation area. Students also have access to the latest technology with Chromebooks, iPads, and Smartboards in each classroom as well as interactive technology.

The Chimes School and its affiliates maintain policies to promote equal opportunity and to protect against discrimination and harassments, in accordance with applicable law.

Day Services

Our day program enriches the lives of adults with intellectual disabilities through personalized activities, skill-building, and community engagement, all tailored to their unique needs with a person-centered approach.

Our meaningful day program gives adults with intellectual disabilities a chance to enrich their way of life, make new friends, and learn new skills. In addition to spending time working on personalized goals, program participants can expect a day filled with a variety of activities and opportunities. Our goal is to empower those that we support with the tools, skills, and accessibility they need to thrive.

Some of the activities individuals can expect are:

• Teaching daily living skills
• Structured Activities
• Art projects
• Music
• Computer learning
• Museum trips
• Growing a community vegetable garden
• Communication skills
• Social skills
• Cultural and educational programming

Every year, we collaborate closely with each person we serve and their dedicated team to create a personalized, person-centered plan. This plan is designed to set meaningful goals and tailor our day program experiences to best support each individual’s unique needs. Our approach is never one-size-fits-all; instead, we work together to craft a program that truly resonates with and serves the individual.

Employment Services

Chimes offers comprehensive community-based support and employment services for individuals with disabilities.

Chimes is the largest and most comprehensive provider of community-based supports and employment services for people with disabilities in Maryland. One of the cornerstones associated with our employment program is the concept of fulfilling potential and maximizing the independence of our participants. We are guided on the belief that every person has the right to develop to their fullest potential.

Chimes ensures that each person participating in our program receives the type of support that is specific to each person’s needs and preferences. Our staff of professionals receive ongoing training to promote job readiness and competitive employment for our participants. The program matches people to jobs based on their strengths and interests. Job Coaches help maintain employment and teach essential skills.

We support over 100 employed individuals with diverse abilities in retail, housekeeping, hospitality, and other services. Our team finds it very rewarding to break down barriers to employment, and help our participants gain their own independence.

Community Living

Chimes Maryland provides a comprehensive range of community living options and staffing solutions, empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to reside in homes and communities of their choice.

Our Community Living options include agency-operated single-family homes and apartments. These residences offer 24-hour support, with many that are fully accessible to meet the specific needs of the individuals that reside in the home. Chimes operates around 50 homes in Baltimore and Montgomery Counties.

Our staff undergo comprehensive training, including DDA certifications, CPR/First Aid, and Certified Medication Technician training. They also receive training specific to each individual’s Person-Centered Plan, Nursing Care Plan, and, where applicable, Behavior Support Plan.

Community Living provides personalized support tailored to individual needs, with outcomes driven by personal interests. Our staff collaborate with individuals to help them achieve their goals. Additionally, contracted Registered Nurses develop nursing care plans based on individual diagnoses and visit every 45 days to assess health, address new concerns, and review medical recommendations.

The primary goal of our Community Living program is to foster the development of independent living skills, helping individuals maintain or achieve greater independence. Our dedicated staff support individuals in their homes with a wide array of activities such as:

• Community integration
• Meal preparation
• Medical appointments
• Transportation
• Daily living activities
• Medication administration
• Advocacy
• Self-care
• Problem-solving
• Safety skills

Shared Living

Shared Living, offered by Chimes Maryland, is a person-centered program where individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities live in a family-style setting with caregivers who provide daily support and companionship. This arrangement fosters close relationships, promotes community involvement, and offers a supportive home environment tailored to each individual’s needs.

Funded through the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), individuals receive support based on their needs and preferences.

Personal Supports

Individualized Home Supports, also known as Personal Support focuses on increasing independence and fostering community connections. While it does not provide medical support, the program offers:

• Support for individuals and families in Baltimore County and Baltimore City. Assistance with daily living skills, including budgeting, cooking, nutrition, cleaning, shopping, and fitness.
• Encouragement to build relationships within the community and among peers.
• Support for activities ranging from personal care, such as eating breakfast and brushing teeth, to participating in local events and building friendships.
• A focus on developing independent living skills and encouraging active community participation.

Funded through the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), participants receive up to 80 customized weekly service hours based on their needs and preferences.